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Great Ideas for Foot and Lower Leg health

Life is full of opportunities that we want to grab with both hands. However a moments though on how best to protect and look after our feet and lower legs and could pay dividends in the future. Here are many great ideas that just may keep you on your feet .

Many people are unaware how much Podiatry is actually a vital treatment option for many different injuries and conditions. Foot and ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, shin and knee pain, hip and back pain as well are routine foot care, corns and callouses and ingrown toenails are some of the conditions podiatrists can help with. What most people aren’t aware of is that there is a way to access some funding or a Medicare rebate for Podiatry.

Everyone should be able to access the kind of health care they need as quickly as possible. Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle problems and injuries. Once you understand how the Medicare rebate for Podiatry works, you’ll see it is a really easy process and an easy way to access podiatry for your needs. Let’s explain the Medicare rebate process in a bit more detail.

Can I get a Medicare rebate for Podiatry?

Yes! But there are a few conditions. A Medicare rebate for Podiatry can only be accessed under the Enhanced Primary Care Program or EPC. To be eligible for this program you must first be assessed by your General Practitioner (GP) and meet the criteria set out by Medicare. The eligibility criteria is focused on “chronic conditions” – a condition which you have been suffering with for longer than 3 months or are likely to continue suffering with. Some chronic conditions that may make you eligible include but are not limited to Diabetes, Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. Following this assessment, you GP can complete the appropriate referral form to send you to a specific podiatry clinic (hopefully us, we’d love to help!)

How many visits will the Medicare EPC rebate cover?

Depending on your condition, your GP may be able to refer you for up to 5 rebated consultations per calendar year to any allied health clinic; that can include podiatry, dietetics, speech pathology, physiotherapy etc. So, for example, your GP may choose to refer you for 3 Podiatry consultations and 2 Physiotherapy consultations. The number of visits is renewed every calendar year and you will need a new referral each year to be seen.

How much does the Medicare EPC Program rebate cover?

Currently the Medicare rebate under the EPC is $52.95 per podiatry consultation, regardless of the appointment type or length. This means the rebate on an initial consultation, biomechanical assessment (sporting injury assessment), or any subsequent review consultations is $52.95. Unfortunately, we cannot bulk bill Medicare for Podiatry services at our clinic, so there will be a small gap payment.

The gap payment is generally around $20 for a 30-minute and around $70 for your initial biomechanical assessment (which is a comprehensive 60-minute assessment, diagnosis, treatment and personalised management plan specific to you and your injury).

How do I claim the Medicare rebate?

How does the rebate process work? We understand that claiming a rebate from a Medicare office can often be a tricky and time-consuming process. At our clinic, we can save you the hassle of having to line up at Medicare/Centrelink. What you will need to do is actually pay for your appointment in full first and then our reception team can process the Medicare rebate and get your rebate back to you on the spot!

The way it works is:

You need to pay the full appointment fee

We swipe your Medicare card and claim the $52.95 rebate on your behalf

We swipe a Debit or EFTPOS card and put the rebate back onto that card on-the-spot

Unfortunately, we cannot perform this rebate process using a CREIDT card it must be a DEBIT card

So, in short, yes you can receive a Medicare rebate for podiatry using the EPC Program but:

You need a specific doctors referral and meet the chronic condition guidelines

You can receive a $52.95 rebate for up to 5 visits per calendar year

There will be a small gap fee

We can process your rebate at the time of your appointment and have the money straight back onto your card

Summary:

If you are unsure of anything or have any questions regarding the EPC process – please feel free to contact us via phone and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. If you think you may be eligible, get to your GP clinic and ask them about the EPC program and getting you a referral to see a podiatrist who can help get you back on your feet and have you return to the activities you love doing!